Movingcoilgalvanometer 200803111206
Movingcoilgalvanometer 200803111206
Movingcoilgalvanometer 200803111206
Presented By
Vasudev Shrivastava
P.G.T.(Physics)
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya
Nowgong District Chhatarpur (M.P.)
Galvanometer
• A galvanometer is a device that is used to
detect small electric current or measure
its magnitude. The current and its
intensity is usually indicated by a
magnetic needle’s movement or that of a
coil in a magnetic field that is an
important part of a galvanometer
Types of galvanometer
• Tangent galvanometer
• Astatic galvanometer
• , Mirror galvanometer
• Ballistic galvanometer
• D’Arsonval/Weston galvanometer
• moving coil galvanometer.
What is a Moving Coil Galvanometer?
Using Fleming’s left-hand rule we can determine that the forces on AD and BC are in
opposite direction to each other. When equal and opposite forces F called couple
acts on the coil, it produces a torque. This torque causes the coil to deflect.
We know that torque τ = force x perpendicular distance between the forces
τ=F×b
Substituting the value of F we already know,
Torque τ acting on single-loop ABCD of the coil = BIl × b
Where lx b is the area A of the coil,
Hence the torque acting on n turns of the coil is given by
τ = nIAB
The magnetic torque thus produced causes the coil to rotate, and the phosphor bronze
strip twists. In turn, the spring S attached to the coil produces a counter torque or
restoring torque kθ which results in a steady angular deflection.
Under equilibrium condition:
kθ = nIAB
Here k is called the torsional constant of the spring (restoring couple per unit twist). The
deflection or twist θ is measured as the value indicated on a scale by a pointer which is
connected to the suspension wire.
θ= ( nAB / k)I
Therefore θ ∝ I
The quantity nAB / k is a constant for a given galvanometer. Hence it is understood that
the deflection that occurs the galvanometer is directly proportional to the current that
flows through it.
Question01 : What is the purpose of introducing a
cylindrical soft iron core inside the moving coil
galvanometer?
Solution: The cylindrical soft iron core placed inside the
galvanometer increases the magnetic field strength, thereby
improving the sensitivity of the instrument. It also makes
the magnetic field radial so that the angle between the
plane of the coil and the magnetic lines of force remains
zero at all times during the rotation of the coil.
Sensitivity Of Moving Coil Galvanometer
The general definition of the sensitivity experienced by a moving coil galvanometer
is given as the ratio of change in deflection of the galvanometer to the change in
current in the coil.
S = dθ/dI
The sensitivity of a galvanometer is higher if the instrument shows larger deflection
for a small value of current. Sensitivity is of two types, namely current sensitivity
and voltage sensitivity.
Current Sensitivity
The deflection θ per unit current I is known as current sensitivity θ/I
θ/I = nAB/k
Voltage Sensitivity
The deflection θ per unit voltage is known as Voltage sensitivity θ/V. Dividing both sides
by V in the equation θ= (nAB / k)I;
θ/V= (nAB /V k)I = (nAB / k)(I/V) = (nAB /k)(1/R)
R stands for the effective resistance in the circuit.
voltage sensitivity = Current sensitivity/ Resistance of the coil. Therefore under
the condition that R remains constant; voltage sensitivity ∝ Current sensitivity
Figure of Merit of a Galvanometer
It is the ratio of the full-scale deflection current and the number of graduations on
the scale of the instrument. It also the reciprocal of the current sensitivity of a
galvanometer.
Question 04: A galvanometer coil of 40Ω resistance shows full range deflection for a
current of 4mA. How can this galvanometer be converted into a voltmeter of range 0-
12V?
As we know that V = IG (RG + R)
R = V/ IG – RG
= (12/ (4×10-3)) – 40
R = 2960 Ω
5(a) Why is the magnetic field radial in a moving coil galvanometer? Explain how it is
achieved. (b) A galvanometer of resistance ‘G’ can be converted into a voltmeter of range (0
– V) volts by connecting a resistance ‘R’ in series with it. How much resistance will be
.
required to change its range from 0 to V/2?
Answer: (a) The magnetic field in a moving coil galvanometer is made ‘radial’ to
keep the magnetic field ‘normal’ to the area vector of the coil. It is done by
taking the cylindrical soft iron core. The torque acting on the coil is maximum
(sin θ = 1, when, θ = 90°)
(b) Given : resistance of galvanomter = G Ω Range of voltmeter (RL) = (0 – V)
volts Resistance to be connected in parallel = R
ig is the maximum current which can flow
through galvanometer From equation (i) and
(ii), on solving we get
Advantages
. High sensitivity.
. Not easily affected by stray magnetic fields.
. The torque to weight ratio is high.
. High accuracy and reliability.
Disadvantages
. It can be used only to measure direct currents.
. Develops errors due to factors like aging of the instrument,
permanent magnets and damage of spring due to mechanical
stress.
Summary
• A moving coil galvanometer is an instrument which is used to measure
electric currents.
• Principle of Moving Coil Galvanometer: A current-carrying coil when
placed in an external magnetic field experiences magnetic torque. The
angle through which the coil is deflected due to the effect of the magnetic
torque is proportional to the magnitude of current in the coil.
• sensitivity of a moving coil galvanometer is given as the ratio of change in
deflection of the galvanometer to the change in current in the coil.
• S = dθ/dI
• A galvanometer is converted into an ammeter by connecting it in parallel
with a low resistance called shunt resistance. Suitable shunt resistance is
chosen depending on the range of the ammeter.
• A galvanometer is converted into a voltmeter by connecting it in series
with high resistance. A suitable high resistance is chosen depending on the
range of the voltmeter.
Problems
• Q.01 A galvanometer coil has a resistance of
12 Ω and the metre shows full scale deflection
for a current of 3 mA. How will you convert
the metre into a voltmeter of range 0 to 18 V?
• Q.02 A galvanometer coil has a resistance of
15 Ω and the metre shows full scale deflection
for a current of 4 mA. How will you convert
the metre into an ammeter of range 0 to 6 A?
Q.03 Why should the spring/suspension wire in a moving coil galvanometer have low
torsional constant?
Q.04 An ammeter of resistance 0.6 Ω can measure current up to 1.0 A. Calculate
(i) The shunt resistance required to enable the ammeter to measure current up to
5.0 A
(ii) The combined resistance of the ammeter and the shunt.
Q.05 State the underlying principle of working of a moving coil galvanometer. Write
two reasons why a galvanometer can not be used as such to measure current in a
given circuit. Name any two factors on which the current sensitivity of a
galvanometer depends.